DIY dental tips | Patrick Simone, DDS - Cosmetic Dentistry Henderson NV

February 28, 2020March 1, 2020

Munching Your Way to a Healthy Smile | Henderson Dentist

It’s easy to maintain a proper dental hygiene routine, but did you know that there is an even easier way to keep your smile bright? According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, certain foods naturally cleanse, brighten, and defend against bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums. Yes, it’s food! Here are the top ten foods recommended by the academy for a healthy, brighter smile.

Pineapples. Pineapples can help whiten teeth. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which acts as a natural stain remover. Bromelain also helps break up plaque.

Ginger. Ginger can protect against periodontal disease, an inflammatory process that causes the loss of bone and supportive connective tissue in your mouth.

Carrots. Carrots contain vitamin A, which is needed for healthy tooth enamel. Eating them raw stimulates saliva, your mouth’s natural cleanser.

Basil. Basil is a natural antibiotic that reduces bacteria in the mouth.

Cheese. Cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which help reduce acid in your mouth.

Sesame seeds. Sesame seeds help “scrub” away the plaque on your teeth. Chewing nuts can also provide a coarse scrubbing action. Sesame seeds also contain bone and teeth-strengthening calcium.

Mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, which inhibits bacteria from growing in your mouth.

Onions. Onions contain the sulfur compounds, thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates, which reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay. Eating them raw is a must as cooking will destroy these tooth-friendly compounds.

Salmon. Salmon not only provides calcium but also vitamin D, another nutrient needed for healthy bones and teeth.

Broccoli. Broccoli contains iron, which helps form an acid-resistant film or barrier that can protect the enamel of your teeth.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

August 31, 2019September 2, 2019

Your Mouth Hates These Foods | Henderson Dentist

As we wind up another fun-filled summer, we have to change our summertime fun into a much busier autumn schedule. While we begin to start focusing on school schedules and meetings, we should also take some time to reassess our dental routines. We all become lax during the summer, but it can’t last all year ‘round. We all know that brushing and flossing is vital to the health of our teeth. But there are also foods that are doing some major damage. The following list includes the top five foods that damage your smile:

Refined carbohydrates. Food likes white bread, chips, pasta or crackers turn into sugars. When these sugars mix with bacteria that’s found in the mouth, they create a lactic acid, which is very hard on your tooth enamel. They also stick to the grooves of your teeth, giving the food more time to build up acid.

Candy. Long lasting and sticky candies are the worst sort of candy for your teeth. Hard candy exposes your teeth to sugar and damaging acids, sticky candy is more prone to adhere to teeth.

Dried fruit. Not unhealthy, but dried fruits such as apricots, prunes and pineapple can be just as damaging as candy. Not only are they sweet, but they stick to your teeth.

Citrus. Although citrus foods are healthy and packed with vitamin C, they can also damage your teeth. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and grapefruit are high in enamel-damaging acids and sugars.

Carbonated drinks. Not only are drinks like soda and diet soda loaded with sugar, they contain carbonation and phosphorous that wear away tooth enamel.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

January 30, 2019May 7, 2019

Cavities Are Not a Rite of Passage | Henderson Dentist

When dental professionals are asked what they find is the more common problem with their patients’ teeth, tooth decay is generally at the top of the list. Fortunately, if you are very apt to taking care of your teeth, the odds of tooth decay have decreased dramatically. After all, good oral health and regular dental checkups are the keys to fighting against the development of tooth decay. Here are the top five ways you can take a proactive approach to tooth decay prevention:

Fluoride therapy. Once a controversial topic for dental hygiene, the delivery of fluoride to the teeth topically or systemically prevents tooth decay, resulting in cavities. Fluoride therapy involves fluoride supplementation using water, salt, tablets or drops which are swallowed, though are rarely used where public water supplies are fluoridated.

Daily dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum diseases. Brushing your teeth three times a day makes your teeth stronger.

Regular dental checkups. It is very important to seek the help of a dentist since they know a lot about it. They know what to do and where to focus on your teeth.

Dental sealant. It is the dental treatment that consists of plastic material that covers one or more teeth, for preventing of cavities and tooth decay. Dental sealants are applied in a dentist’s office.

Dietary snacks. It is good to limit sweet snacks as excessive intake of sweets alters’ your blood sugar. If you avoid snacks, you may be depriving your body of nutrition from food. Good snacks should include healthy proteins and fats.

Schedule an appointment today 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

December 28, 2018May 7, 2019

All I Want for Christmas Is Some Chocolate | Henderson Dentist

If you were good this year, chances are you found some chocolate in with your holiday gifts. And December 28 is the perfect day to enjoy those chocolatey treats. It’s National Chocolate Candy Day – an entire day devoted to the yummiest of confections.

According to the American Dental Association, we should be brushing two times a day for at least two minutes. After brushing, use dental floss to get in between and hard to reach areas. Floss removes any extra food particles left in between teeth. If left untouched, those particles may turn into plaque, resulting in a higher risk for gum disease. Finally, rinse your mouth with an ADA-approved mouthwash to seal the cleanliness in and for a trace of fresh breath. Top off your oral hygiene with a quick check-up after the holidays and you should be all set to celebrate the new year. Here are a few fun facts to enjoy while you are snacking on your chocolate candy:

In 1828, Dutch chemist Coenraad Van Houten invented the hydraulic press that makes it possible to remove the cocoa butter from the cacao, producing a powder and making way for the first chocolate confections.

In 1847 cocoa butter, cocoa powder and sugar were combined by British chocolate company J.S. Fry & Sons to produce the first edible chocolate bar.

Whitman’s produced the first box of chocolate.

Hershey Chocolate company designed a specific chocolate bar for the U.S. Army. The D ration bar was included in the emergency rations and in the packs of soldiers when the Allied troops stormed the beach of Normandy on D-Day.

Americans consume 12 pounds of chocolate each year.

Schedule an appointment today with cosmetic and general dentist Dr. Simone at 702-735-2755. Learn more about his practice and see the beautiful smiles he has created by visiting his website at www.patricksimonedds.com.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

November 29, 2018May 7, 2019

Tooth Decay Is Preventable | Henderson Dentist

We all do our best to try to take proper care of our teeth. We brush, we keep our dental appointments and try to avoid eating too much sugar. Unfortunately, we may still get tooth decay to develop over the span of our lifetimes. In fact, tooth decay is one of the common most problems seen among patients. The good thing is, tooth decay is preventable if we know what we need to do to prevent it. So, let’s take a moment to look at a few of the DIY ways you can help keep tooth decay at bay and great dental checkups in the future:

Fluoride therapy. Fluoride is used to help prevent cavities. Fluoride Therapy delivery involves fluoride supplementation using water, salt, tablets or drops which are swallowed.

Proper dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing properly can help prevent tooth decay and gum diseases. If you aren’t sure, ask your dentist proper technique tips.

Regular checkups with your dentist. It is very important to seek the help of a dentist as they know a lot about what to do and any areas where you are lacking.

Dental sealant. Sealant is the dental treatment that consists of placing plastic material over one or more teeth in order to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Dental sealants are applied in a dentist’s office.

Dietary snacks. We all love a sweet treat at some point in our day, but it is good to limit sweet snacks as excessive intake of sweets alters’ your blood sugar. Instead, choose snacks that also include healthy proteins and fats.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

May 28, 2018

DIY Tips for Healthy Gums | Las Vegas Dentist

Keeping your gums in a healthy state is a lot more important than you may think. In addition to brushing and flossing, a healthy diet can also help you maintain healthy gums and prevent gum disease. By eating properly, you are providing vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for your gums and teeth, which can help keep your gums and teeth healthy. Not everyone knows this, but fluoride is found naturally in some foods, so by consuming them, you are effortlessly helping contribute to tooth decay prevention. Fluoride, also found in your water supply (in most areas), can help reduce cavities by up 60%.

While on the topic of food, it is important to point out that certain foods can be very detrimental to the health of your gums and teeth. Particularly, foods high in sucrose (also known as granulated sugar) are damaging to teeth. Although very tasty, it is the leading cause of tooth decay.

In addition to a healthy diet, proper dental hygiene can also keep your gums healthy:

Brush often. Whenever you eat, you are leaving behind bacteria in your mouth. If left untreated can cause plaque.

Floss daily. It is best to floss 2-3 times a day. Flossing is essential to getting rid of all the bacteria that is trapped between your teeth in the areas your toothbrush cannot reach.

Use mouthwash. Not only does it leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean, it also helps get rid of bacteria. However, it is important to note that mouthwash is not as effective as brushing or flossing.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

December 30, 2017January 2, 2018

Quick Holiday Dental Tips | Las Vegas Dentist

You may be hosting a holiday party or even have special holiday events to attend, and these festivities are most likely going to have lots of appetizing food and beverages, but as you indulge the sugars you consume could be taking a toll on your teeth. Most of us know how detrimental sugar is to teeth but during these times your oral health can slip your mind, don’t let it. While indulging in the delightful food and beverages, keep these six tips in mind so you can maintain a healthy mouth this holiday season:

Healthy routine. Always brush your teeth twice a day, for two minutes. This simple routine can make a huge difference over time.

Avoid hard candy. Not only do hard candies promote tooth decay, but the act of chewing on them can lead to a cracked or chipped tooth.

Limit chewy candies. During this time of year it’s hard not to munch on chewy candy like caramel, fudge or toffee. Just remember, sticker candies take longer to get washed away by saliva and may increase risk for tooth decay.

Stay hydrated. Be sure to drink water in between consuming sugary foods and beverages to rinse away excess sugar to decrease the chances of getting a cavity.

Teeth aren’t tools. Some people get caught up in the excitement of opening gifts that they’ll use their teeth to rip tags off new items or to bite through string. Avoid using your teeth as tools because this can cause teeth to crack, chip or break.

Dentist visits. It’s important to maintain regular preventative oral care during the holidays and throughout the entire year, so take the time to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.

April 28, 2017

Do You Brush Your Teeth in the Garden? | Las Vegas Dentist

Dental hygiene is important. But we all can admit – there have been times we have neglected our teeth because carrying a toothbrush with us isn’t a priority. As we wrap up National Garden Month, it is important to know that even when we don’t have a toothbrush handy, there are natural ways you can keep your teeth clean. Just turn to Mother Nature…

When it comes to foods that are good for us, we all know that fruits and veggies are the obvious choices to keeping us healthy, but they can also clean our teeth at the same time! The crispiness of the apple is strengthening your gums, while the juiciness produces saliva, clearing out the bacteria that gives us cavities. In fact, all crispy handheld fruit works similarly. The vitamin C in citrus fruit is great, and the citric acid also scours your teeth. One fruit that may surprise you as a whitening agent is the strawberry. The berries with the seeds that always get stuck in your teeth are also scrubbing them so eat up!

Vegetables are obviously good for us but an onion as a dental secret? Yes, this colorless veggie won’t stain your teeth and let’s face it, you’re also much more apt to brush your teeth afterwards. Broccoli is basically a natural toothbrush, so munching on these little “brushes” will supply your body with iron while giving a quick scrub. Celery is full of vitamins and water for saliva production and if you think about it, it’s like nature’s floss!

Dr. Simone proudly serves patients from Las Vegas, Henderson, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.